Addis Ababa Becoming World-Class City: COMESA Assistant Secretary-General

Addis Ababa, April 16, 2026 (ENA) —Addis Ababa is becoming a world-class city that has been developing at a very fast pace, COMESA Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Kadah said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Assistant Secretary-General said Addis Ababa has seen a lot of transformation as a cosmopolitan and a capital city.

He noted that “Addis Ababa is becoming a world-class city, being so developed, and with a very fast pace of development. It is remarkable to see how Addis has developed over the last two, three decades, and also more recently.”

Kadah also stressed the need to make sure that all other regions are following the same path.

“We need to make sure that development is distributed as equally as possible so that we all grow together.”

He added that it is of course important to have a bustling and vibrant center. Addis does provide an excellent vibrant cosmopolitan center.

Noting that Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in the continent, the Assistant Secretary-General elaborated that rural development is also essential, which is the core of inclusive development.

Furthermore, Kadah pointed out that Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies and among the biggest economies in the continent.

Measured by GDP, the country is one of the biggest five economies in the continent, he added.

Regarding the significance of environmental protection for the overall growth of countries and Ethiopia's bold Green Legacy initiative, he said the environment is a cross-cutting priority.

According to the Assistant Secretary-General, COMESA is working very closely with all member states about environmental protection and climate change management.

For him, initiatives like the Ethiopian Green Legacy are very essential efforts and initiatives in terms of sustainability.

Without paying special attention to environment protection and combating climate change, it will not be sustainable, he elaborated.

Going as green as possible and reducing pollution and harmful practices as much as possible “are very welcome initiatives, very beautiful ones as well”, he concluded.